FARGO - (4W) Mandan-St. Mary's had all the momentum with 17 minutes to play in its ND state semifinal match with (3E) West Fargo. Just two minutes later, it was gone. West Fargo standout Lincoln Cole, who gave the Packers its first goal, provided another big life, scoring at the 65th minute mark to give his team a lead it would not give up and a spot in the championship match. The Packers prevailed, 4-2 on Oct. 16 in at Fargo North High School Field. But it didn't come without a battle.

The Braves would find themselves trailing 2-0 at the break, but would scratch and claw their way to two goals. Zach Weiler's tally off of a corner kick cut the deficit in half at the 50th minute mark. And then Lucas Howard muscled the ball into the goal following a throw-in play at the 63rd minute. Officials gathered to discuss the play, but eventually ruled it was a good goal. However, Mandan-St. Mary's couldn't keep the pressure on the Packers. Cole got to a loose ball after a sideline throw and made not mistake on his shot. WF would get an insurance goal when Mike Fleury lofted a ball over the head of Mandan goalie Ben Allan who charged out of the goal to try get to th ball first.

West Fargo (11-4-4) returns to the title match on Saturday, Oct. 17 for the first time since winning the crown in 2022. The Braves (9-6-3) will look to cap off a great season with a win in the third place match.